of her in the desert. And betwixt the diverse deeds of the day
this had of late become somewhat dim to him. Yet after his grief
came joy that this man also had seen the damsel, whom his dream
of the night had called Dorothea, and that he knew of her captors;
wherefore by his means he might come on her and deliver her.

Now he spake aloud: "Nay, it was not she that gave them to me,
but yet were I fain to find this woman that thou sawest;
for I look to meet a friend whenas I meet her. So tell me,
dost thou think that I may cheapen her of thy kinsman?"

Bull shook his head, and said: "It may be: or it may be that he hath
already sold her to one who heedeth not treasure so much as fair flesh;
and fair is hers beyond most. But, lord, I will do my best to find
her for thee; as thou art a king's son and no ill master, I deem."

"Do that," quoth Ralph, "and I in turn will do what more I may for thee
besides making thee free." And therewith he rode forward that he might
get out of earshot, for Bull's tongue seemed like to be long.
And presently he heard laughter behind him, as the carle began jesting
and talking with the chapman lads.



CHAPTER 23

Of the Town of Cheaping Knowe


Now when it was evening they pitched their camp down in the plain